Gael Clichy or Patrice Evra: Who Would You Pick?

Manchester United and Arsenal are easily two of the strongest teams in Europe but it's not just their phenomenal midfield, their overpaid strikers, and their managers.  Their left backs, Arsenal's Gael Clichy and Manchester's Patrice Evra, are easily the best left backs in the world, though both are very different. Which Frenchman would you pick?

Patrice Evra

He is one strong player. Evra is easily stronger than Clichy, but he lacks the attacking ability of some of the other left backs. With his speed and strength, Evra makes Manchester's left side almost impossible to break through. Evra also has the ability to intimidate his opposition with his amazing energy and ego.

This hugely talented left back's original position was center forward, but thanks to former Nice manager Sandro Salvioni, he ended up as a left back. Evra was utilized at left back due to the huge injury crisis back in 2001 and he ended up winning Ligue Two's best left back.

Evra is built with experience, having made his debut at the age of 17 way back in 1998, and the Frenchman also has great stamina and commitment. He may not score many goals but he does save them, plus his aggression tends to frighten strikers.

However, Evra has been known to fight with teammates and officals. During Euro 2008 Evra was spotted arguing with Patrick Vieria in the tunnel after France's dreadful cup run. Evra was also seen arguing with a Chelsea groundsman. It was unclear what was said, but Evra was given a four-match ban.

Despite that, Evra is a hugely talented 27-year-old left back who is easily the strongest in the footballing world at the moment.

Gael Clichy

This boy is 23 and has maturity beyond his years. I believe Clichy is the best left back in the world, with his stunning pace and commitment, not to mention his amazing ability to take the ball from people twice his size.

Clichy posseses great leadership ability and still has at least 15 years before he starts to look rusty. Clichy came to Arsenal as an 18-year-old and looked to have a big future. Despite a long run of injuries, Clichy got his chance in 2006 and has not looked back, holding down his place and becoming one of the world's best backs.

The Frenchman's pace and commitment is why Arsenal are so strong down the left side. Clichy is very attacking and has a lethal cross. He works well with his wingers and his speed is very useful down the left flank.

Clichy is extremely hard working and has great maturity which he has shown in every game he plays. With Arsenal in a so-called "crisis," Clichy has put up his hand and taken on the senior role in the young Arsenal squad.

Clichy is younger than Evra and thus lacks the strength and experience of Evra. Both compete heavily for the French left back role, but at the moment Clichy is winning. When these two met earlier this year it was Clichy's team, Arsenal, that went down as winners. Both were their usual strong reliable selves and did their bit in ensuring their team would bag the three points.